One handed spool and roller tape dispenser

ABSTRACT

A single handed tape dispenser can include a housing defining a tape spool chamber and an enclosed roller chamber. The enclosed roller chamber supports a roller for contacting the non-adhesive side of the tape to be dispensed, while the adhesive side is presented outwardly for rolling contact with a surface of an article to be taped. The enclosed roller chamber supports a cutter element downstream of the roller allowing single handed application of the tape to the article to be taped and cutting of the tape to the desired length. The tape spool chamber can be enclosed, open, or partially enclosed. The tape spool chamber can be formed of plastic and can be partially enclosed with a paper or cardboard insert, and/or can be enclosed by a plastic injection molded portion forming a clam-shell enclosure in combination with the tape spool chamber portion of the tape dispenser housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/583,799 filed Jun. 29, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adhesive tape dispenser for applying adhesive tape while requiring only a single hand to apply and cut the tape to a desired length.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Adhesive tape dispensers are available in various models and sizes. In general, adhesive tape dispensers are most widely known in the form of desk tape dispensers and hand-held dispensers requiring the use of two hands. Typically, the tape is stored on a roll and mounted on a spindle or post for revolving movement. The adhesive tape typically can be cut at the desired length by means of a blade. Many of these devices require multiple rollers and complicated cutting implements in order to operate. Tape dispensers requiring a large number of components are complicated to manufacture, large in overall size, and require complicated procedures for installing and changing rolls of adhesive tape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be desirable to provide a tape dispenser that is simple in construction, relatively small in size, and/or is easy to install or change an empty roll of adhesive tape for a new roll of adhesive tape. The present invention can include a tape roll housing having at least one sidewall extending to at least partially enclose a roll of adhesive tape installed therein. The adhesive tape is installed to allow the adhesive side to be exposed for direct application to the article to be taped while passing over a first roller. A channel is provided for threading the tape through the channel to maintain the tape in a position adjacent the roller for application. A cutting element is provided downstream of the roller allowing one hand application of the tape to the article to be taped, and cutting of the tape with a single handed motion.

The housing can include an enclosed roller chamber allowing the roller to be adequately supported while presenting at least a portion of the outer periphery of the roller externally for application of the tape to the article to be taped. The replaceable spool of adhesive tape can be mounted on a post, spindle or retainer clips. Optionally, the housing can include a partial cover enclosing the roll of adhesive tape between two sidewalls of the housing. The housing if desired can be bifurcated along a center line forming a clam shell configuration allowing easy removal and installation of spools of adhesive tape.

Other applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a simplified side elevational view of a housing of a single handed spool and roller tape dispenser according to the present invention for applying adhesive tape to a surface;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a single handed tape dispenser housing according to the present invention with at least a partial cover portion for enclosing a curved tape applicator surface or roller; and

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a single handed tape dispenser housing according to the present invention with a bifurcated housing forming a clam shell configuration for enclosing a spool of tape.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1, a tape dispenser housing 10 according to the present invention allows a length of tape 22 to be dispensed on a surface 12 with one hand. The tape dispenser housing 10 can include a replaceable tape spool 14 and a dispenser case 34. The tape dispenser case 34 can form a spool retainer 40 for holding the spool of the tape roll 18 longitudinally, while allowing rotation of the tape spool 14 about the center of the spool retainer 40. The tape spool 14 can rotate around the retainer 40 as a length of tape 22 is dispensed.

The length of tape 22 can be dispensed from the spool 14 through a tape channel 24. The channel 24 can be formed between a curved surface or roller 28 and a channel guide 26. The channel guide 26 is connected to one sidewall of the roller chamber 38 and the channel 24 defines an open slot through the opposite sidewall of the roller chamber 38 allowing the tape to be inserted between the roller 28 and the guide 26 through channel 24. The length of tape 22 can be dispensed through the channel 24, so that the adhesive side 20 of the length of tape 22 can be in contact with a surface 12. If a roller 28 is provided, the roller 28 can rotate about a center axis 30 allowing the dispenser housing 10 to glide smoothly along a surface 12 to be taped. The channel guide 26 can keep the length of tape 22 in the channel 24 ensuring that the length of tape 22 is smoothly pressed on the desired location of a surface as the roller 28 glides along a surface 12. The channel guide 26 can contact the adhesive side 20 of the tape 22 to releasibly hold the tape 22 in position for subsequent dispensing after being cut.

The dispenser casing 34 can be made up of two chambers, a tape spool chamber 36 and an enclosed roller chamber 38. The tape spool chamber 36 can hold the spool 14 in place allowing rotation about the spool retainer 40. If desired, the tape spool chamber can be enclosed, open, or partially enclosed. By way of example and not limitation, the tape spool chamber can be formed of plastic, such as injection molded plastic, and can be partially enclosed with a paper or cardboard insert. The spool chamber can also be enclosed by a plastic injection molded portion forming a clam-shell enclosure with the tape spool chamber. The roller chamber 38 can house the curved surface or roller 28. If a roller 28 is provided, the roller 28 can be held in place by a center pin 30 allowing rotational movement about the central axis 30. A metal or plastic cutting element or blade 32 can be parallel to the central axis 30 of the roller on the outside edge of the roller chamber portion 38 of the casing 34. As a length of tape 22 is dispensed through the channel 24 via the curved surface or roller 28 onto a surface 12, the length of tape 22 can be detached from the tape dispensing device 10 at the desired length using the cutter blade 32. A portion 48 of the sidewall of the casing 34 adjacent the path of the tape 22 is optional and can be eliminated or reduced in dimension if desired, provided sufficient support is provided to the channel guide 26 in other ways.

A single handed tape dispenser according to the present invention can include a housing defining a tape spool chamber and an enclosed chamber. The enclosed chamber can support a adhesive tape applicator curved surface or roller for contacting the non-adhesive side of the tape to be dispensed, while the adhesive side is presented outwardly for contact with a surface of an article to be taped. The enclosed chamber supports a cutter element downstream of the curved surface or roller allowing single handed application of the tape to the article to be taped and cutting of the tape to the desired length. The enclosed chamber also can include a channel guide for directing the tape to be dispensed over the curved surface or roller toward the cutter element. The tape spool chamber can include a spool retainer for receiving a replaceable spool of adhesive tape to be dispensed. The tape spool chamber can be enclosed, open, or partially enclosed. The tape spool chamber can be formed of plastic and can be partially enclosed with a paper or cardboard insert, and/or can be enclosed by a plastic injection molded portion forming a clam-shell enclosure in combination with the tape spool chamber portion of the tape dispenser housing.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the present invention is illustrated in an exploded perspective view. A dispenser housing 10 according to the present invention dispenses lengths of adhesive tape 22 (shown in FIG. 1). The housing 10 can include at least one first body portion 16 a for supporting a roll 14 (shown in FIG. 1) of adhesive tape to be mounted thereon and for cutting across a width of the adhesive tape to be dispensed from the roll, such that the first body portion engages a non-adhesive side (shown in FIG. 1) of the tape 22 to be dispensed allowing the adhesive tape to be dispensed and cut with a single-handed motion of a user. The housing 10 can also include a removable cover body portion 16 b for allowing the adhesive tape to be fed and dispensed through a passage 24 and/or chamber 38. A pair of first posts 42 can be connected to the first body portion 16 a for operably supporting the removable cover portion 16 b. A pair of second posts 44 can be connected to the removable cover body portion 16 b, such that the first and second post operably sheathingly engage with respect to one another to support the removable cover body portion 16 b from the first body portion 16 a of the housing 10. One of the first and second posts 42, 44 can define a pin 46 for supporting a curved surface or roller 28. The curved surface or roller 28 can be associated with the pin 46 for feeding tape to be dispensed with respect to an external surface 12 (shown in FIG. 1) to be taped. The curved surface 28 can be connected to or associated with the housing 10 for supporting the tape to be fed and dispensed with respect to the external surface to be taped. The removable cover body portion 16 b can allow the adhesive tape to be fed and dispensed through a passage 24 and/or chamber 38. The curved surface 28 connected to or associated with the housing 10 can support the tape to be fed and dispensed with respect to the external surface to be taped.

At least one first post 42 can be connected to the first body portion 16 a for operably supporting the removable cover body portion 16 b. At least one second post 44 can be connected to the removable body portion 16 b, such that the first and second post telescopically or sheathingly engage with respect to one another to releasibly support the removable cover body portion 16 b from the first body portion 16 a of the housing 10. A pin 46 can be connected to the first body portion 16 a for rotatably supporting a roller 28, or for providing a stationary external curved surface 28 associated with the pin 46 for feeding tape to be dispensed with respect to an external surface to be taped.

A cutting edge 32 can be associated with the first body portion 16 a and/or the removable body portion 16 b on an external surface of the housing 10 for engaging a non-adhesive side of the tape to be dispensed allowing the adhesive tape to be dispensed and cut with a single-handed motion of a user. The cutter element 32 can be located downstream of the curved surface or roller 28. The cutter element 32 can be formed of suitable plastic or metal material connected to the housing 10, or can be formed integrally from the material forming the sidewall of the housing 10.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the present invention is illustrated in an exploded perspective view. A dispenser housing 10 according to the present invention dispenses lenghts of adhesive tape 22 (shown in FIG. 1). The housing 10 can include at least one first body portion 16 a for supporting a roll 14 (shown in FIG. 1) of adhesive tape to be mounted thereon and for cutting across a width of the adhesive tape to be dispensed from the roll, such that the first body portion engages a non-adhesive side (shown in FIG. 1) of the tape 22 to be dispensed allowing the adhesive tape to be dispensed and cut with a single-handed motion of a user. The housing 10 can be bifurcated along any desired line, such as a center line, forming a clam shell configuration with a removable cover body portion 16 b allowing easy removal and installation of spools of adhesive tape, and allowing the adhesive tape to be fed and dispensed through a passage 24 and/or chamber 38. The first and second body portions 16 a, 16 b can define sheathingly engaging cylinder or post portions 42 a, 42 b, 44 a, 44 b, such that the first and second sheathingly engaging post portions operably engage with respect to one another to support the removable cover body portion 16 b from the first body portion 16 a of the housing 10. The first sheathingly engaging post 42 a, 42 b can support a roll of adhesive tape to be mounted within the housing 10. The second sheathingly engaging post 44 a, 44 b can define a pin 46 for supporting a curved surface or roller 28. The curved surface 28 can be connected to or associated with the housing 10 for supporting the tape to be fed and dispensed with respect to the external surface to be taped. The curved surface or roller 28 can be associated with the pin 46 for feeding tape to be dispensed with respect to an external surface 12 (shown in FIG. 1) to be taped. The removal cover body portion 16 b can allow the adhesive tape to be fed and dispensed through a passage 24 and/or chamber 38. A passage guide 26 can be provided to define channel 24 between guide 26 and surface 28. The guide 26 can contact the adhesive side of the tape to releasibly hold the tape in position for subsequent dispensing after being cut. A cutting edge 32 can be associated with either the first or second body portion 16 a, 16 b on an external surface of the housing 10 for engaging a non-adhesive side of the tape to be dispensed allowing the adhesive tape to be dispensed and cut with a single-handed motion of a user. The cutter element 32 can be located downstream of the curved surface or roller 28. The cutter element 32 can be formed of suitable plastic or metal material connected to the housing 10, or can be formed to integrally from the material forming the sidewall of the housing 10. A portion 48 of the sidewall of the casing 34 adjacent the path of the tape is optional, and can be eliminated or reduced in dimension, provided that sufficient support is provided to the channel guide 26 in other ways.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law. 

1. A dispenser for tape comprising: a housing having at least one first body portion for supporting a roll of adhesive tape to be mounted thereon and for cutting across a width of adhesive tape to be dispensed from the roll, such that the first body portion engages a non-adhesive side of the tape to be dispensed allowing adhesive tape to be dispensed and cut with a single-handed motion of a user.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising: a removable cover body portion for allowing adhesive tape to be feed and dispensed through a passage.
 3. The dispenser of claim 2 further comprising: a pair of first posts connected to the first body portion for operably supporting the removable cover body portion; and a pair of second posts connected to the removable cover body portion, such that first and second posts operably sheathingly engage with one another to support the removable cover body portion from the first body portion of the housing.
 4. The dispenser of claim 3 further comprising: one of the first and second posts defining a pin for rotatably supporting a roller; and a roller connected to the pin for feeding tape to be dispensed with respect to an external surface to be taped.
 5. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising: a curved surface connected to the housing for supporting tape to be feed and dispensed with respect to an external surface to be taped.
 6. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising: a cover body portion for allowing adhesive tape to be feed and dispensed through a passage; and a curved surface connected to the housing for supporting tape to be feed and dispensed with respect to an external surface to be taped.
 7. The dispenser of claim 6 further comprising: at least one first post connected to the first body portion for operably supporting the cover body portion.
 8. The dispenser of claim 7 further comprising: at least one second post connected to the body portion, such that first and second posts operably sheathingly engage with one another to support the cover body portion from the first body portion of the housing.
 9. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising: a pin connected to the first body portion for rotatably supporting a roller; and a curved surface associated with the pin for feeding tape to be dispensed with respect to an external surface to be taped.
 10. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising: a cutting edge associated with the first body portion on an external surface of the housing for engaging a non-adhesive side of the tape to be dispensed allowing adhesive tape to be dispensed and cut with a single-handed motion of a user.
 11. A dispenser for tape comprising: a first body portion rotatably supporting a roll of adhesive tape to be mounted thereon, and having a cutting edge associated therewith extending across a width of adhesive tape to be removed from the roll, such that the first body portion engages a non-adhesive side of the tape to be dispensed allowing adhesive tape to be dispensed and cut with a single-handed motion of a user; and a removable cover body portion for allowing adhesive tape to be feed and dispensed through an open passage.
 12. The dispenser of claim 11 further comprising: a pair of first posts connected to the first body portion for operably supporting the removable cover body portion; and a pair of second posts connected to the removable cover body portion, such that first and second posts operably sheathingly engage with one another to support the removable cover body portion from the first body portion.
 13. The dispenser of claim 12 further comprising: one of the first and second posts defining a pin for rotatably supporting a roller; and a roller connected to the pin for feeding tape to be dispensed with respect to an external surface to be taped.
 14. The dispenser of claim 11 further comprising: a curved surface connected to the first body portion for supporting tape to be feed and dispensed with respect to an external surface to be taped.
 15. The dispenser of claim 11 further comprising: a pin extending between the first body portion and the removable cover body portion; and a roller rotatably supported by the pin for supporting tape to be feed and dispensed with respect to an external surface to be taped.
 16. The dispenser of claim 15 further comprising: at least one first post connected to the first body portion for operably supporting the removable cover body portion.
 17. The dispenser of claim 16 further comprising: at least one second post connected to the removable body portion, such that first and second posts operably sheathingly engage with one another to support the removable cover body portion from the first body portion.
 18. The dispenser of claim 11 further comprising: a pin connected to the first body portion for rotatably supporting a roller; and a curved surface associated with the pin for supporting tape to be feed and dispensed with respect to an external surface to be taped.
 19. The dispenser of claim 11 further comprising: a cutting edge associated with the first body portion on an external surface of the housing for engaging a non-adhesive side of the tape to be dispensed allowing adhesive tape to be dispensed and cut with a single-handed motion of a user.
 20. A dispenser comprising: a first body portion capable of supporting a roll of adhesive tape to be mounted thereon; a second body portion having an external surface, the second body portion including a removable cover at least partially defining a tape-receiving passage and at least partially enclosing the first body portion; a pair of first posts connected to the first body portion for operably supporting the removable cover; a pair of second posts connected to the removable cover, such that first and second posts operably sheathingly engage with one another to support the removable cover from the first body portion, one of the first and second posts defining a pin for rotatably supporting a roller; a roller connected to the pin for supporting tape to be feed and dispensed with respect to an external surface to be taped; and a cutting edge associated with the external surface of the first body portion to be engagable with a non-adhesive side of tape to be dispensed allowing adhesive tape to be dispensed and cut with a single-handed motion of a user. 